Monday morning arrived .
Asher dressed with extra care—a crisp white button-down shirt, navy slacks, his most professional blazer. He checked his appearance in the mirror three times.
The twins were particularly clingy at breakfast.
"Do you have to go to work, Fer-daddy?" Lily asked, her dark eyes wide and pleading.
"Yes, sweetheart. But Grandpa is picking you up from school today, remember? You get to have dinner at their house."
"Can we make cookies?" Kai asked hopefully.
"You'll have to ask Grandpa. But I bet he'll say yes."
After dropping them at school—where Kai gave him an extra-long hug and Lily made him promise to text her a heart emoji at lunch—Asher drove to work
The Everhart Corporation building,Asher parked in his usual spot, took three deep breaths, and headed inside.
He had two hours before the meeting with Kael. He spent them reviewing the project materials, making notes, preparing questions. Anything to keep his mind occupied and his hands from shaking.
